There’s no better feeling than stumbling across one of your most sought-after figurines at a discounted price, especially if it’s a Funko POP character you’ve been itching to add to your collection for a long time. However, there’s nothing worse than when, upon receiving your POP, doubts start to creep in about the validity of your latest addition as something seems off. Was your discovery too good to be true?
Over recent years, Funko POP collecting has surged in popularity, making it crucial for collectors to distinguish between authentic and counterfeit figures. While finding rare Funko POP collectables at a low price can be thrilling, reifying their authenticity is essential to avoid disappointment.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever been stung by a fake figurine in the past, which is why we’ve compiled this handy guide that covers all you need to know to tell apart the cheap, legitimate Funko POPs from the fakes, offering practical tips and examinations of key details, such as colour accuracy, serial numbers, figure features and more. With this knowledge, collectors can confidently make purchases, knowing they are enhancing their collection with genuine Funko POPs.
Table of contents
How do you spot fake Funkos?
Whether you’re a Funko novice or an experienced collector, knowing the difference between fake and cheap Funko POP figurines always pays. Here are the top 5 details you should look out for that could suggest your treasured new additions aren’t as legitimate as you thought.
The colour and attention to detail
It’s a good idea to thoroughly check your prospective new Funko against others, as any difference in the figures’ colour, shape, and overall appearance could indicate that it is an ungenuine copy.
Of course, it can be tricky to identify any differences in small details from photographs, but to be sure, you can always request additional close-up pictures from the seller before you purchase. This will allow you to carefully compare the Funko with the official POP figurines and confirm any potential discrepancies.
The box
One of the key improvements counterfeiters and scam artists have made when producing fake items is their packaging, with boxes giving very little indication that the product is fake. However, there are some identifiers collectors should look out for, including:
- Thicker or misshapen borders around the characters printed on the box
- Missing box fonts, logos and stickers
- Incorrect box colouring and numbering
- Missing product number on the box
Another element to look out for is how well-packaged the figurine is. If the box appears faulty or the inner packaging does not seem to hold the figurine in place correctly, there’s a chance the product is a counterfeit or has been tampered with.
You can find official POP boxes online to compare the images of your prospective new addition against, so you can ensure you’re purchasing the genuine article.
The serial number
All Funko POPs have a serial number engraved on either the head or foot of the figure, which matches the number on the box. If the figure is missing either of these numbers, it’s an obvious sign it’s a fake.
If you’re sceptical about the validity of the figurine, ask the seller to provide evidence of both serial numbers. If they cannot provide proof or they simply refuse, move on. If you receive a serial number, you can use the handy Funko Mobile App to confirm the Funko’s authenticity. Below is an example of a legitimate serial number for you to compare with also.
How to avoid buying a fake Funko POP
Unfortunately, counterfeit Funkos and scam sellers aren’t going away anytime soon. However, there are several steps you can take, outside of inspecting the figurine itself, that will minimise the risk of you falling for a scam.
Confirm the seller's identity
One of the best ways to avoid fake Funkos is by being extra vigilant about who and where you buy from. If you’re shopping online, try to opt for reputable stores you can trust, as it’s highly unlikely you will receive a fake figurine from an official, well-known store.
However, if you choose to purchase from an auction site or resellers, be extremely cautious and pay extra attention to the condition of the figurine. You should also take the time to look at reviews and feedback for each site and seller you consider. If the reviews are limited and the account is fresh to a reselling or auction site, it could suggest that the account is a newly set up scam. Additionally, you may notice that most reviews are negative and are waving the red counterfeit flag.
If you’re using something like PayPal to make your purchase, always ensure you use the “goods and services” option to protect your money if anything goes awry. If a seller asks you to opt for “friends and family”, it may be a good sign that it’s a scam.
Ask other Funko collectors
If you’re still unsure if your latest Funko POP deal is too good to be true, post all the images and information you have available into a Funko POP forum for other collectors to review. Veteran and expert collectors will be able to swiftly identify a fake, as most will have either received a fake figurine or will own an original they can compare it to for you.
Many Funko forums will often have a list of sellers to avoid for you to consult, so check through them to ensure the seller you’re using isn’t listed.
How do I know if my Funko is valuable?
Funko POPs are popular figurines with characters designed to suit various ages and interests. But, as with all collectables, some Funkos are rarer and more valuable than others. Of course, predicting if any Funko POP will become valuable is nearly impossible, as you never know which figure might one day be in demand. However, there are a few key indicators that can suggest there is a higher chance a Funko will become valuable:
- If they are labelled as exclusive or limited edition figures
- They’re part of emerging popular culture trends. For example, a character from a TV or film show that is due to release a new season or instalment
- POPs that have been discontinued or “vaulted.” Different to the limited edition figures, vaulted Funkos are figures which were part of the main range, but the manufacturer is no longer producing them
- The levels of pre-release hype and speculation behind a specific model
Other elements could suggest the potential value of a figurine, such as initial cost and market demand, the condition the figure and box are in and other historical trends. Still, the above are the key indicators which could suggest future demand and value.
Are Funko POPs worth the money?
For most collectors, collecting Funko POPs isn’t about the money. Funkos offer collectors a tangible way to enjoy their favourite movies, comic books, gaming characters and other pop culture idols. So, for most POP fans, any standard Funko POP figure is worth the price.
However, as mentioned, some Funko POPs can increase in value and become great investments for collectors - especially exclusive and limited edition figurines. Many collectors will search high and low for these rare Funkos to add to their collection, with some hoping to one day cash in on their investments.
Of course, collecting rare POPs can be an expensive hobby, and there is no guarantee that the Funkos considered rare or valuable today will have the same status tomorrow. With this in mind, it’s important to consider why you want to collect Funko POPs, as this will determine whether they are worth the money for you.
Where can I get good deals on Funko POPs?
As with any collectables, you can find seemingly great deals on cheap Funko POPs in various places online. However, it’s essential to take the time to do your research to reduce the risk of purchasing fake Funkos, especially if you’re new to the world of collectables.
At Toys for a Pound, we proudly stock a wide range of official Funko POP vinyl figures at great prices. We constantly update our offering to contain the most sought-after models, including limited edition and rare Funkos. So keep checking back to watch for your most wanted Funkos.
Discover cheap collectables at Toys for a Pound
Looking for more official franchise figurines? Check out our wider range of collectables for more high-quality additions to introduce into your collection. We stock a wide variety of figures from your favourite franchises, including DC Comics, Marvel and Disney, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Toys for a Pound.